WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 5.2: Analyzing TheatreDiscussion Topic
I’m Done
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONS: Your contributions should be thoughtful and developed. Answer all parts of the question and use concepts from the course materials. Use a professional style of communication, with attention to grammar, spelling, and typos; cite your class sources. Do NOT use outside sources.
AVOID the words “In my opinion,” “to me,” “I think,” “I feel” etc. State your ideas and support with information and concepts from class materials!
Choose ONE of the following questions, and write an in depth response (2-4 paragraphs). Utilize class materials. Do not rely on outside sources. Then, give a substantive response to at least one other student.
PLOT and other dramatic elements
Read the Introduction to Theatre & the additional Melodrama resource in this Week’s Course Content. View the uploaded stage production (don’t view the film version please) video of Sweeney Todd (4 parts in Week 5 content) or read George L Aiken’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin (link in Week 5 contents – be sure to use the link in Class contents as there are other pieces written under this title) and identify at least 3 elements of plot. Be sure to use dramatic understanding/elements of plot from Week 5 lecture, it differs from literary understanding in Week 4. Explain how the elements work in this piece and provide specific examples. Expound on one of the plot elements and explain how it relates to another aspect of drama – character, thought, music, diction, spectacle (include tableau as spectacle as well). Does the plot element assist the other aspect or vice versa? Or does it all work together? Use specific examples from the play to support your ideas. You may also want to access the Romanticism supplement in class contents.
OR
CHARACTER & other elements
Read the Introduction to Theatre & the additional Melodrama resource in this Week’s Course Content. View the uploaded stage production (don’t view the film version please) video of Sweeney Todd (4 parts in Week 5 content) or read George L Aiken’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin (link in Week 5 contents – be sure to use the link in Class contents as there are other pieces written under this title). Choose a character from Either Sweeney Todd or Uncle Tom’s Cabin (be sure to access both through Class Contents as there are other pieces under these titles). Using Intro to Theatre notes, analyze character by objectives/obstacles and by type (use the theory of the humours in this week’s lecture to help you as well). Relate character objectives/obstacles to plot complications. Is the character simple or complex? How does the environment influence the character? Cite diction (specific lines) that express the character. Relate tableau (Uncle Tom) or music (Sweeney Todd) to character. Relate character to the Thought of the piece. Does Character dictate Plot (or Thought) or vice versa? Use specific examples from the play to support your ideas. You may also want to access the Romanticism supplement in class contents.
Discussion posts are due by Sunday at 11:30PM ET. Include at least one response to fellow classmates. Note: you will need to post your work first before reading/commenting on that of your classmates. You may not delete or edit posts. You may add to posts by replying to your initial post. Discussion will lock shortly after due date/time.